Practical Apologetics: Clear Answers for the Everyday Christian

Kenneth Willis
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Practical Apologetics is here to provide clear, Biblical answers to common questions about the Christian faith. Each short, practical episode is designed to help everyday Christians understand and defend what they believe and why they believe it. As Christians, we are called to be able to give a respectful response to those who ask us “Why?” we believe what we do, as outlined in 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sensho/warm-blanket License code: ZCO1OXWJYXEFFG5R

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 15: Are Mormons Christian?

    Are Mormons Christian? Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints use the Bible, talk about Jesus, and often live moral, family-oriented lives. So why have Christians historically concluded that Mormonism is not a denomination within Christianity, but a separate religious system? In this episode, we compare the teachings of Mormonism with the teachings of Scripture and historic Christianity. We examine the nature of God, the identity of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, continuing revelation, salvation, exaltation, and the claim that Christianity fell into complete apostasy before being restored through Joseph Smith. This episode is not an attack on individual Mormons. Rather, it is an examination of truth claims and a comparison of doctrine with Scripture. Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:4Psalm 90:2Isaiah 43:10Isaiah 44:6Malachi 3:6Matthew 16:18Matthew 28:19Luke 24:27John 1:1John 1:3Romans 5:1Romans 8:29Ephesians 2:8-9Colossians 1:16Galatians 1:8Jude 31 John 3:21 John 4:1 Sources: The Holy Bible (ESV)The Book of MormonDoctrine and CovenantsPearl of Great PriceTeachings of Joseph SmithKingdom of the Cults by Walter MartinMormonism 101 by Bill McKeever and Eric JohnsonReasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons by Ron Rhodes Remember, faith isn't believing without evidence. It's trusting where the evidence leads.

    20 min

  2. May 28

    Episode 14: What Is a Christian?

    What actually makes someone a Christian? Is it church attendance? Believing in God? Being a good person? Baptism? Family tradition? In this episode of Practical Apologetics, we answer one of the most foundational questions in Christianity: What is a Christian? Many people claim the Christian label, and many groups use Christian language, quote the Bible, and talk about Jesus. But what does Scripture actually say defines biblical Christianity? We’ll discuss:• What a Christian is not• Why Christianity is centered on Jesus Christ• Why there is only one biblical Jesus• The essential beliefs that define Christianity• Why redefining the gospel changes Christianity itself Whether you’re a Christian wanting clarity or a skeptic trying to understand what Christians actually believe, this episode is designed to define Christianity fairly and biblically. Reasonable Faith by William Lane Craig; Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell; I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek; The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel; Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis James 2:19; Romans 3:23; Matthew 7:21; John 1:1, 14; Romans 10:9; 2 Corinthians 11:3–4; Ephesians 4:5; 1 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:8–9; Galatians 1:6–8; 1 Corinthians 15; Mark 1:15; John 3:3 Sources UsedScripture References (ESV)

    11 min

  3. May 14

    Episode 13: Why Did Jesus Have to Die?

    Why did Jesus have to die? If God is loving, why was the cross necessary? Why sacrifice? Why blood? And why couldn’t God just forgive people? In this episode of Practical Apologetics, we explore one of the most important questions in Christianity by tracing the story from Genesis to the cross. We discuss sin, sacrifice, the Old Testament covenant system, Passover, the spotless lamb, and how Jesus fulfilled what the sacrificial system had been pointing toward all along. Was the cross an accident? Or was it the plan from the beginning? Sources used:Reasonable Faith – William Lane CraigOn Guard – William Lane CraigI Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist – Norman Geisler & Frank TurekIntroducing Christian Doctrine – Millard EricksonThe Cross of Christ – John Stott Bible passages referenced (ESV):Genesis 1–3Exodus 12:5, 12:13Leviticus 16Romans 4:25, 5:8, 6:23Hebrews 4:15, 9:22, 10:4, 10:121 Peter 3:18John 1:29, 19:301 Corinthians 5:7 #Christianity #ChristianApologetics #Apologetics #JesusChrist #CrossOfChrist #BibleStudy #Faith #ChristianPodcast #PracticalApologetics

    11 min

  4. Apr 30

    Episode 12: What Is the Gospel?

    What is the gospel? It’s a word that gets used often, but rarely defined clearly. Is it a lifestyle? A set of teachings? Or something more? In this episode, we break down the gospel in simple, biblical terms. The gospel is not advice about what you should do. It is the good news of what God has already done through Jesus Christ. We walk through: The true meaning of the word “gospel”The core message found in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4Why the gospel is necessaryHow the gospel savesAnd how you can respond to it todayThis episode also includes a direct invitation to respond to the gospel and a simple explanation of repentance and faith. Scripture References (ESV):1 Corinthians 15:3–4Romans 1:16Romans 3:23Romans 6:23John 14:6 Sources:The Holy Bible (English Standard Version)ESV Expository Commentary Recommended Resource: YouVersion Bible App (free): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible/id282935706 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sirma.mobile.bible.android&pcampaignid=web_share

    9 min

  5. Apr 23

    Episode 11: What Is Salvation?

    What does it actually mean to be saved? In this episode of Practical Apologetics, we define salvation clearly and biblically. Building on the previous episode “What Is Sin?”, we explain why salvation is necessary, what it accomplishes, and how it happens. We walk through what we are saved from, what we are saved to, and how salvation is received through grace and faith in Jesus Christ. We also break down key theological terms like justification, regeneration, sanctification, and glorification in a clear and practical way. This episode is designed to give you a solid, understandable foundation for one of the most important concepts in Christianity. Sources used in this episode: Reasonable Faith – William Lane CraigOn Guard – William Lane CraigI Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist – Norman Geisler & Frank TurekEvidence That Demands a Verdict – Josh McDowell & Sean McDowellExpository Apologetics – Voddie BauchamIntroducing Christian Doctrine – Millard EricksonHandbook of Christian Apologetics – Peter Kreeft & Ronald TacelliA Popular Survey of Apologetics for Today – Ron RhodesThe Case for Christ – Lee Strobel Scripture (ESV): Psalm 3:8Luke 19:10John 1:12; 3:3; 3:16; 3:36Acts 3:19; 16:31Romans 3:23; 4:25; 5:1; 5:8; 6:23; 8:15; 8:30; 10:131 Corinthians 15:3–42 Corinthians 5:17Ephesians 2:8–9; 2:13Titus 3:51 Peter 2:241 John 5:13Matthew 25:46James 2:191 Thessalonians 4:32 Timothy 2:12

    9 min

  6. Apr 16

    Episode 10: What Is Sin?

    What is sin? Most people think sin is just breaking religious rules, being a bad person, or an outdated idea from the past. But the Bible presents something much deeper. In this episode, we define sin clearly and biblically, and we explain why it matters not just for theology, but for apologetics. Sin is not just rule-breaking. It is a rupture in our relationship with God and a distortion of reality itself. We also explore how sin explains the human condition, the existence of moral evil, and why objective morality points to a moral Lawgiver. Understanding sin is essential, because you cannot defend what you cannot define. In the next episode, we will answer the follow-up question: What is salvation? Sources - Scripture (ESV): Genesis 3, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 1:21–25, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 7:19, Ephesians 2:1–3, James 2:10, 1 John 3:4 Reasonable Faith by William Lane CraigOn Guard by William Lane CraigI Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank TurekThe Case for Christ by Lee StrobelHandbook of Christian Apologetics by Peter Kreeft and Ronald TacelliExpository Apologetics by Voddie BauchamWhy Believe? Christian Apologetics for a Skeptical Age by Neil Shenvi Augustine, Confessions and City of GodThomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica

    9 min

  7. Apr 9

    Episode 9: What Is the Trinity?

    In this episode, we define one of the most central doctrines of the Christian faith: that God is one being who exists eternally as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We examine what the Bible teaches, respond to common objections, and explain why the Trinity is essential to understanding the Gospel. Sources Used: On Guard by William Lane Craig, Reasonable Faith by William Lane Craig, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek, The Forgotten Trinity by James R. White, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem, and the primary source, the Bible (ESV). Scripture Referenced (ESV): Deuteronomy 6:4Isaiah 45:51 Corinthians 8:6John 1:1John 8:58Colossians 2:9Acts 5:3–41 Corinthians 3:16Luke 22:42John 3:16John 14:26Matthew 28:192 Corinthians 13:14

    9 min

  8. Apr 2

    Episode 8: What Is the Biblical Narrative?

    Many people think the Bible is just a collection of unrelated stories or religious rules. But the Bible actually tells one unified story written over more than 1,500 years by over 40 authors. In this episode of Practical Apologetics, we walk through the big picture of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. We examine the four major movements of the biblical narrative: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Understanding this story helps explain the purpose of humanity, the problem of sin, and how Jesus fits at the center of the entire Bible. Sources: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2016. Bartholomew, Craig G., and Michael W. Goheen. The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2004. Roberts, Vaughan. God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002. Goldsworthy, Graeme. According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002. Geisler, Norman L., and Frank Turek. I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2004. Scripture Referenced (ESV): Genesis 1:1Genesis 1:27Genesis 3Genesis 3:15Genesis 12:3Romans 3:23Galatians 4:4–5Revelation 21:5

    9 min
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Practical Apologetics is here to provide clear, Biblical answers to common questions about the Christian faith. Each short, practical episode is designed to help everyday Christians understand and defend what they believe and why they believe it. As Christians, we are called to be able to give a respectful response to those who ask us “Why?” we believe what we do, as outlined in 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sensho/warm-blanket License code: ZCO1OXWJYXEFFG5R

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